The Gospel of MarkSample

In verses 14 and 15, Jesus' message was clear: the gospel of the Kingdom of God. He makes 3 important points. The Kingdom of God is near, it is not a far-off thing that may happen one day. We are to live ready to participate in bringing God’s kingdom to Earth here and now.

Jesus calls us to repentance. Repentance is more than just feeling bad for the things we have done wrong. True repentance should lead us to a change in actions.

And lastly, Jesus calls us to believe. This is more than just an intellectual knowledge of God. To truly believe in God should lead us into intimate relationship and dependence upon God.

In verses 16-20, Jesus’ invitation was simple, “follow me and I will make you…”

The men Jesus asked to be his disciples, did not culturally carry any significant value or position in society. These were very common men, some also even outcasts of society. When we choose to access Jesus’ invitation to follow him, it’s a forever journey we will never grow out of. As we imitate Christ, we will continue to become more of who He created us to be. It was never about what we could do for God but instead what God wants to do through us if we will allow Him to.

Jesus’ invitation was to repent, believe and follow Him. We talked about repentance being more than just a feeling and belief being more than just intellectual knowledge but instead intimate relationship with God. How can we continue to live this way with Jesus?